If we share similar thoughts on the importance of understanding what is obtainable, then you are reading the right article. While pondering the issue of what was obtainable educationally in Poland, especially for international students, the words of Gautama Buddha came as a notice to remind both the reader and me that after reading what will be written here, it is still the student that makes the final decision to go where he feels is the best place for him to be. Buddha said “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” This path is yours to walk, and the first step to walking is getting knowledge of the best universities in Poland for international students. History is filled with people like you who have thought about the future and wanted to know what the future holds for those who eventually take those steps you’re about to take now. Thinking about the issue of the best schools anywhere in the world calls up many variables, but one thing is sure – you need that education. So whether you decide to go to school in Poland or somewhere else, the most important thing is getting yourself the best education your money can afford, or perhaps scholarships can afford you, as that is also a valid option too. Malcolm X in one of his speeches said that “education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” This article focuses its attention on the best schools in Poland for international students. If that is something you would love to know about, then read on.
Introduction
The fact remains that someone has to tell these tales. In this case, it is the tale of the promise that these schools hold. Some things, places, and events are underreported and underrepresented so much that people do not realize they could be getting themselves a good deal by experiencing them. The story of Poland is one, especially with regard to education. Getting the best of education is like trying to get yourself out of a labyrinth you were born into, at least for most people. Most eventually find what they are looking for, go out succeeding in the real world, and are grateful in hindsight, while some do not. It requires that you think, read, prepares, and then strike hot. With the benefit of this article as a vantage point, as you set out to get an education, ensure that you get the best. The Polish government has been spending lots of money on education and that has been reflected in the standards of education in the country. It was 5% of GDP as of 2016, it has increased since then and is projected to continue to rise. With a university entry rate of 80%, chances of entry are high for almost anyone that meets certain requirements. Don’t let such an opportunity go to waste. As things all over the world and Poland especially continue to grow, and information readily available, going to a university should not be like it has always been. Going to university for any degree or program at all should challenge you by encouraging critical thinking and creativity skills. Knowledge should be the bedrock of whatever is done at these universities. It should be incorporated into all that is done at school, as it makes students think for themselves in a way that makes them evaluate concepts that are taught in class in a clearer fashion and without obstructing a clear path to whatever the student’s reasons for being in school are.
Poland
As has been mentioned earlier, Poland, the 8th largest economy in the European Union and the 17th largest nation in the world, is a very dynamic country. Its capital Warsaw is the center of activities in this growing country. The country sits on 305,000 km2 of land, out of which water occupies 8500km2. Poland, more of a central European country than eastern Europe, is not isolated. It is surrounded by Ukraine, Russia, Slovakia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Belarus, and Lithuania. It is a country that is very rich in culture. The country is home to 15 UNESCO world heritage sites, among which are; Auschwitz Birkenau (a German Nazi concentration camp), the wooden churches of Southern Malopolska, and the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, Historic Center of Krakow, Historic Center of Warsaw, amongst others. In January 2020, UNESCO commemorated the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi camp. If you are someone who likes food, then Poland is a great place to give your taste buds a thrill, as all kinds of regional delicacies are present and always on offer. Poland’s history is not one that is contestable as it’s been a theatre of interesting events. Its fascinating history is evidenced in many museums that house what is left of the destruction that has hit the country many times. Warsaw’s rising museum is a good place to start. Poland’s cultural life, hospitality, and love for art should keep you for longer than you would have imagined.
Best cities in Poland
In the heart of Europe, Poland has cities that are outstanding in the way they represent what Poland is, in many ways.
#1 – Warsaw
This beautiful indestructible city that stands tall among other cities is one of the best cities in Poland. Warsaw which has withstood destruction multiple times, and was once referred to as the “Paris of the East” until it was flattened during world II, has risen and now sports fascinating scenery with a mix of skyscrapers and classy architecture.
#2 – Krakow
Poland’s second-largest city is one that is most appreciated on the ground. The mere fact that it was not destroyed when world war II destruction was taking place gives it that air of history that may be lost in so many other areas. A walk through Krakow’s old town is sure to teach what it can about the history of the city which dates back 7 centuries.
#3 – Gdansk
This city is on the Baltic coast of northern Poland. It is an easily overlooked city but one with a thousand years of history. It is Poland’s principal seaport and one of Poland’s cultural seats. There are some others that we can’t all list here such as Torun, Lublin, Poznan, Katowice..
What are the requirements?
For admission into any of these schools that will be listed later on in the article, some admission documents will be requested of you – things such as;
Proof that you have paid the admission feeA medical certificate with no contraindication for studyingUndergraduate degreeCv with the details about your schooling and careerReferees – academic and personalFilled-in application formAs many as 4 passport-size photographsA copy of your IDProof of English language proficiency (unless your previous degree was done in the English language).
Further…
Visas are of importance, as they determine if you will be allowed entry or not. Poland is a member of the European Union, so EU/EEA students don’t need a VISA. Meanwhile, non-EU/EEA students should read about what it requires to get a Polish visa and start preparing the necessary documents and setting appointments as soon as possible. Consulates and embassies will handle your paperwork, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website will help you with your Polish VISA if there are questions or you don’t understand the instructions. Also, check if you qualify for a scholarship in Poland. There are quite a few, so it’s worth a shot to see if you can receive one of them. Polish universities also require some proof of your English proficiency. To provide that, time and effort need to be invested to get at least one of the following tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced. You can also be allowed if your previous degree was in the English language. Efforts should be made to round up applications before the application deadlines, which are;
For EU/EEA students: mid-SeptemberNon-EU/EEA students: mid-July to mid-August
If you need further help, you can reach out to your university’s international relations office which will help you with practical issues like insurance and licenses.
How much will it cost to study in Poland?
Ordinarily, Polish students do not pay tuition fees since it has been taken care of, but since we are talking about international students here, it would be smart to delve into the topic of tuition.Tuition ranges from $2000 to $15,000 and is dependent on the institution and the study program – Master’s degrees and MBAs usually cost more. Since mostly, universities talk with students before deciding on terms, it could also be really helpful to call the university and ask questions.
What can I do with a degree from Poland?
With a degree from a polish university, one can decide to further their education in Poland or any other part of the world or switch to another profession by applying for a post-graduate diploma in that field and in any part of the world that would make your transition a smooth one. With a degree from a polish university, you can apply for jobs anywhere and be among those who would be considered as strong contestants.
Best universities in Poland for international students
#1 – University of Warsaw
Ranked as number 1 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and number 321 on the QS Global World Ranking, this university was established in 1816, and is a leading research center, that offers numerous programs of studies and specializations within the fields of Arts and Humanities, Social, Physical, Life Sciences as well as Engineering and Technology. The high level of scientific research, as well as its connection with diversity and attractiveness of teaching methods, determine the indisputable first position of the University in the country.
#2 – Jagiellonian university
Ranked as number 2 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 326 on the QS Global World Ranking, this university that was established in Krakow in the 1820s is the second oldest university in central Europe. The Jagiellonian University is a public higher education institution, a self-governed university, which comprises 16 Faculties, where 4 thousand academic staff conduct research and provide education to about 40 thousand students, within the framework of more than 87 different fields of study.
#3 – Warsaw University of Technology
Ranked as number 3 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and number 511 on the QS Global World Ranking, this university that was established in 1826, in Warsaw is one of Poland’s finest universities. With over thirty thousand students served by over two thousand professors and instructors, Warsaw University of Technology is the largest and the highest-ranking engineering university in Poland. There are seventeen departments/faculties covering almost all fields of engineering and applied science. Sixteen of these faculties are based on two urban campuses in the capital city of Warsaw, and one faculty in the ancient city of Płock in north-central Poland. The international position of Warsaw University of Technology is supported by the offer of a full B.Sc and M.Sc. study programs in English, run currently at 9 Faculties. These courses are basically aimed at foreign students but they are also available for Polish students who want to broaden their abilities and improve their chances in the world labor market.
#4 – Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan
Ranked as number 4 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 801 on the QS Global World Ranking, this is one of Poland’s finest schools. The university has 3,000 faculty members including over 750 professors and associate professors, more than 150 visiting lecturers, over 43 000 students including over 800 incoming students from abroad, 60 post-graduate non-degree programs of study, nearly 300 regular courses on a variety of subjects taught in English, and some in French and Spanish (among others).
#5 – AGH University of Science And Technology
Ranked as number 5 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 802 on the QS Global World Ranking, this university with a very high research output, the AGH University of Science and Technology, is a technical university where exact sciences are strongly represented, and where they constitute a basis for the development of a wide spectrum of applied sciences at a gradually increasing role of social sciences and humanities.
#6 – Krakow University of Technology (Politechnika Krakowska)
Ranked as number 6 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 803 on the QS Global World Ranking, this public university that was founded in 1945 and with a very high research output, is one of Poland’s best technical schools. Many other rankings place this school above many others. The university consists of 8 faculties (departments) offering 30-degree programs (including 12 offered in English) for nearly 13 thousand students taught by over 1100 academic staff. The university carries out numerous international and national research projects and extraordinary faculty and students’ inventions are recognized in national and international contests. There are Technology Transfer Centre and numerous accredited laboratories at the university including the Malopolska Laboratory for Energy Efficient Building which is situated in the most modern and zero-emission building in Europe.
#7 – Gdansk University of Technology
Ranked as number 7 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 804 on the Qs Global World Ranking, this public university offers education at 9 faculties with 43 fields of undergraduate studies and graduate studies including 22 fields of studies and specializations in English. GUT hosts a number of centers in which advanced scientific research is conducted, for the development of smart specialization, among others Centre of Competence Novel Infrastructure for Workable Applications (C^2NIWA), Centre of Excellence WiComm, and Eco-Innovation Centre.
#8 – Lodz University of Technology
Ranked as number 8 on this list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 805 on the Qs Global World Ranking, this public university with a very high research output is a dynamic engineering and technical University that offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in 45 fields of study, concentrated in 9 faculties. Currently, Lodz University of Technology has almost 20,000 students across, studying everything from electrical engineering to chemistry and textile marketing. Its programs are constantly updated to meet students’ needs.
#9 – Nicolaus Copernicus University
Ranked as number 9 on the list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 806 on the Qs Global World Ranking, this is one of the largest universities in Poland, currently comprising 17 faculties (including 3 medical faculties at Collegium Medicum UMK in Bydgoszcz). It provides graduate and postgraduate courses for almost 30 000 students, offering education in over 80 fields of study, 100 specializations, and 50 postgraduate courses.
#10 – Poznan University of Technology
Ranked as number 10 on the list of best schools in Poland for international students, and as number 807 on the Qs Global World Ranking, this university with a very high research output was founded in 1919. The university has 9 faculties that offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It’s rating over the years due to its steady improvement has continued to see improvement.
Conclusion
On this list of the best schools in Poland for international students, the onus still rests on the student to apply and experience school life away from the pages of websites on smartphones, laptops, or desktop screens. Let this article guide you into making wise choices.
References
Europe’s economiesVisa to Poland
Recommendation
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